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Synonyms

unwell

American  
[uhn-wel] / ʌnˈwɛl /

adjective

  1. not well; ailing; ill.

  2. Older Use. menstruating.


unwell British  
/ ʌnˈwɛl /

adjective

  1. (postpositive) not well; ill

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of unwell

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at un- 1, well 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It’s the opposite of the Unwell Network, for sure, in the sense that we didn’t set out trying to do anything we’ve done,” Portnoy says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

Draining a few isn’t enough to make them renounce their loyalty to his congregation, known as the Beautiful Unwell.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

The deal is part of a wider partnership between Google and the Unwell group, which will see the media company promote its own use of Pixel and Android devices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

Cooper’s appearance at Wrigley was part of the “Big Al’s Takeover” promotion, with fans who purchased a special ticket package receiving a commemorative Cubs jersey with Cooper’s Unwell branding on the back.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2025

Unwell, un-wel′, adj. not well: not in good health.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

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